ORAL SURGERY: TIPS FOR A SMOOTH RECOVERY

How you care for yourself in the hours and days following oral surgery can make the difference between complications and a smooth, uncomplicated recovery.

Whenever you have oral surgery at our Sartell, MN dental office, our dental care team will provide post-operative instructions that include the following tips.

 

Enjoy a Day of Rest

After oral surgery, it’s essential to give your body a chance to heal and recover. If you have sedation, you will be drowsy for several hours anyway, so plan to take the rest of the day off.

 

Ice It for Relief

After your procedure, it’s typical to experience some swelling or bruising for a few days. Relieve any discomfort and minimize swelling and relieve with an ice pack on and off your face at 20-minute intervals.

 

Protect the Clot

Immediately after your procedure, your body starts to heal itself, and a protective clot begins to form over the site. Disturbing the clot as it’s forming can lead to a complication called dry socket that’s very painful. Don’t drink through a straw or smoke because both can cause the clot to dislodge.

 

Plan on a Soft Diet

Stock up on soft foods like yogurt, applesauce, or pudding, so they are available after your procedure. Avoid hot, cold, or spicy foods as they can irritate your mouth and the surgical site.

 

Let Us Know if You Have a Problem

Our dental care team will call to check up on you after your procedure, so be sure to let us know if you have a question or concern. However, if you experience swelling or excessive bleeding that doesn’t subside in two days, call us right away.

 

Please Call Us to Learn More

If you are scheduled for oral surgery at our St. Cloud, MN dental office and have questions, call the i-Implant Dentistry team. We will be happy to answer your questions to put your mind at ease about your upcoming procedure.